10 Places To Go this Valentine’s Day

Dating in Colombo is hard, not only because the only date-like activity we Colombars can get involved in is to eat, but because even at a restaurant, running into a nosy aunty or two is very likely. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner and everything being so expensive all of a sudden, we thought we’d narrow down the playing field for you guys a little. Here are a few places that promise good food, great service and a vibe of your choosing. Tip: Don’t forget to make your reservations early on!

Breakfast

If you’re looking to do something other than the mainstream dinner, spend a lazy morning with your loved one. These two places are ideal for a laidback yet entirely satisfying start to the day.

rare at Residence is known for their excellent ladies night and top-notch food, and their new breakfast menu is just as impressive as all the other aspects of this tiny yet dynamic restaurant. Serving up all their breakfast dishes for less than 1000 LKR, their French toast and Mannar Crab will have you licking your plates by the end of the meal. Like a calm oasis right in the middle of corporate Colombo, rare is tranquil, private and easy on the pocket. rare serves breakfast from 7am – 11am and also does an exquisite dinner so you can keep your options open.

On a laidback and sunny morning, getting some vitamin sea with your loved sounds quite ideal and Sugar Beach is the perfect spot to grab some brekky by the waves. Their brunch menu is served until 4pm and each dish costs just above 1000 LKR. It’s right on the shores of Mount Lavinia Beach so privacy isn’t their strongest suit but the ambience and service just can’t be missed out on.

Lunch

A midday lunch break is what all of us need to beat those Thursday blues this Valentine’s Day and whether you’re looking for something casual for a new-found love or something hand-holdy to reminisce the good old days, we’ve got you covered.

3. Barefoot CaféThe Barefoot Café adjoins the namesake go-to destination for handlooms and has a very casual, open-air space perfect for a cold beer on a warm day. Their roast beef sandwich, and smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel are ideal for a light midday treat and because it’s not a very famous spot amongst locals, you can expect enough privacy for some great conversation.

4. Havelock Place BungalowIf you’re looking for some private alfresco dining, the very cozy HPB is the place for you. Frequented only by their loyal boutique hotel guests, Havelock Place Bungalow is a hidden gem that serves up delicious food. You could spend about Rs. 7,000 for two, but it’s absolutely worth it. This is a great spot for dinner too, with the dim lights, soft music, and an exquisite ambience.

Dinner

5. Giovanni’sServing up some of the best pizzas and pastas in town, Giovanni’s is the perfect date-night dinner spot if you’re looking for something casual. They’re BYOB so be sure to take a nice bottle of wine and let the pretty lights and great playlist set the mood for the night!

Frego is a little more upscale but still casual, perfect for that in-between price point and ambience. They serve a mean lamb chop and for the quality and taste of the food, their price points are pretty great too. The place doesn’t tend to get too crowded so you can expect a certain level of privacy as well.

On the more refined side of things, CÉ LA VI at Kingsbury is the perfect fine dining date spot for those of you who want to splurge a little. With a peaceful night back-lit by city lights, the rooftop restaurant’s intricate flavor combinations and soothing ambience will make for the perfect place to woo your woman or man. The soft shell crab was definitely amongst one of our favorite dishes.

Night Cap

No night is complete without a little booze to top it all off and what better place to grab a quick drink or great cappuccino than these all-time favorites.

8. Cloud RedCloud Red is Cinnamon Red’s rooftop bar and is a hidden gem of sorts in the city. Their ambience is perfect for that little date-night drink with views for days and a soft breeze to set the mood. The prices aren’t exactly cheap but it’s a little more private than most places and you can enjoy a quiet sit-down here to see an end to the perfect night.

Patio 25 is Colombo’s latest fusion-bar, if you could call it that, with a space that will suit everyone’s kind of vibe. They have everything from karaoke to a shisha lounge and serve up good food and drinks at reasonable price-points. If you’re the kind of couple that’s more into the upbeat and outgoing lifestyle, Patio 25 is your go-to!

Perfect for a sunset cocktail and more drinks into the night, King of the Mambo at Galle Face Hotel isn’t a budget-friendly spot but is definitely ideal for something fun, romantic and memorable. With great music, amazing views and delicious food and drinks, this place is definitely a treat.

At the end of the day, however big or small your budget is, just make sure you two are doing something you love and are spending some quality time with each other. There’s also a list of Valentine’s Day events happening right here if you want to take a peek into something more Vday-themed.

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